SGU SOM Students Get Hands-On Experience in Kenya, Czech Republic
St. George’s University School of Medicine students experienced practicing medicine abroad this summer by participating in international selectives in Nairobi, Kenya and Prague, Czech Republic.
“International selectives offer unique experiences for future physicians in so many ways. Not only do you get to travel to beautiful locations such as Prague, Kenya, or Costa Rica, but you also get to see what it would be like to practice medicine there,” said David Nahabedian, SGU’s director of selectives and assistant director and senior medical illustrator at the Center for BioMedical Visualization.
“Czech” yes to new experiences
This year, the Prague selective hosted 25 students from July 6 to 19. The group’s itinerary included morning hospital visits and evening lectures with pre-assigned doctors.
Rising Term 2 student Saira Mohammed of Trinidad and Tobago says she will remember her time in Prague as her first time being present in the operating theatre during surgery. She is also grateful for the experience to build her cultural understanding and competency in a new country.
“It was mind-opening to consider how differences in culture and healthcare systems affect the accessibility to healthcare and prevalence of some diseases within the Czech population,” Saira said.
Carlie Hanlon, a Term 5 SOM student, along with their peers, had the opportunity to visit a hospital specializing in transplant surgery. They observed a kidney transplant operation, describing it as one of the most notable experiences on their trip.
“It was amazing to see new life being pumped into the transplanted organs once the newly united blood vessels were unclamped,” Carlie said. “The patient’s new kidney turned from grey to pink in a matter of seconds and will hopefully provide many more years for them.”
Carlie Hanlon wearing a synthetic cast on her arm placed by her colleague.
Carlie also observed significant differences between the Czech and American healthcare systems. They came away from their experience having learned a lot and admired the strong emphasis on preventative medicine in Czech healthcare.
“Studying medicine in Prague was such a unique and rewarding experience. I am grateful to SGU for providing me with this opportunity,” they said.
Observing patients…and giraffes
The Kenya selective saw two groups this summer comprising of 18 and 20 students. The groups visited two different hospitals where they were able to rotate through different specialties. When they weren’t helping in hospitals, they participated in other activities like visiting the Samburu tribe, going on a safari to learn about the local animals, and visiting orphanages to play with the children.
Tiara Singletary with one of the Kenya international selective cohorts.
“The Kenya experience is unique because students learn from local clinical consultants and leaders of pastoral communities. They learn about healthcare delivery in urban and rural environments and are exposed to the human, domestic animal, and wildlife interaction,” said Dr. Calum Macpherson, course director for the Kenya selective and dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
Term two student Tiara Singletary was in Kenya from June 6 to 18. There, she gained a plethora of experience shadowing in the psychiatric unit, burn unit, general surgery, CT and MRI scans, orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery ward, and the accident and emergency unit.
Whether Tiara was examining patients, delivering babies, or participating in surgeries, to her, it was an amazing opportunity and honor to care for the patients.
“It was a great opportunity to take part in something I would love to do in the future. I learned so much from my time there, knowledge that I want to implement when I become a doctor,” she said.
Tiara said she gained a greater appreciation for the importance of valuing diversity, especially as an aspiring doctor.
“I will always carry with me the conversations that I had, and I would like to continue learning as much as I can,” she said.
Experiences to shape a career
As for what SOM students gained from the 2024 international selectives, many reflected on how their experiences have allowed them to grow personally and professionally. They say the selectives have helped them refine their approach to medicine in a more culturally competent way.
“During medical school, we study clinical correlations related to subjects like biochemistry, genetics, and physiology,” Saira said. “This hands-on experience brings written knowledge to life, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation during these years. It demonstrates that much of what we learn will be applied in practice, and the effort is worthwhile when we can positively impact and save a patient’s life.”
The Costa Rica selective also took place this summer for Master of Public Health students, which allowed SOM students to attend as a practicum. The SOM Costa Rica selective will run from November 10 to 19, 2024.
For more information about available fall international selectives, visit the Basic Sciences portal.
— Juliette Kimmins
